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"Empezar" is an intransitive verb which is often translated as "to start", and "servir" is an intransitive verb which is often translated as "to be useful". Learn more about the difference between "empezar" and "servir" below.
empezar(
ehm
-
peh
-
sahr
)An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
a. to start by
Quiero empezar por darles la bienvenida esta noche.I'd like to start by welcoming you this evening.
b. to begin by
Quiero empezar por decirte lo mucho que aprecio todo lo que has hecho.I want to begin by saying how much I appreciate what you've done.
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
servir(
sehr
-
beer
)An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
b. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
¿Te sirve este?Is this one any good to you?
Hay que comprar una sartén nueva porque esta ya no sirve.We need to buy a new frying pan because this one is no good any more.
a. to be in service
Había trabajado sirviendo a la familia durante muchos años.He had been in the family's service for years.
5. (military)
a. to serve
Mi tío sirvió en las fuerzas armadas durante la Segunda Guerra Mundial.My uncle served in the armed forces during World War II.
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to serve
Esta compañía sirve a clientes de todo el mundo.This company serves customers around the world.
7. (culinary)
servirse
A reflexive verb is a verb that indicates that the subject performs an action on itself (e.g., Miguel se lava.).
a. to help oneself to
Sírvanse lo que quieran del bufet.Help yourselves to anything from the buffet.
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
b. to make use of
Nuestros huéspedes pueden servirse de todas las instalaciones.Our guests can make use of all the facilities.
